Mo. Leader Removes Fellow Democrat from Committees

JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri House Minority Leader Jake Hummel has removed fellow Democrat Penny Hubbard from her committee assignments.Hummel took the step Wednesday, saying there were several issues behind the move against the St. Louis lawmaker.Hummel cited a vote Wednesday on whether an elections bill should take effect immediately. Hubbard voted against the bill, but after it passed, she supported an attempt that would allow the bill to take effect immediately. Her support gave majority Republicans the necessary margin. Other House Democrats opposed an immediate effective date.Hubbard vowed Wednesday to fight her removal from the committees. She also sent a letter to the House Ethics Committee complaining about Hummel, saying his behavior has been unprofessional and made her uncomfortable.Hummel, also of St. Louis, says he has never threatened her.